The Snowboarding Contest Calendar

Competitive snowboarding runs from late autumn through early spring, with events spread across mountain resorts in North America, Europe, Japan, and beyond. Whether you're a die-hard fan tracking every FIS World Cup result or a casual viewer who tunes in for the X Games, there's no shortage of elite riding to watch.

Here's a breakdown of the major events and series you should have on your radar.

The FIS Snowboard World Cup Series

The FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) Snowboard World Cup is the backbone of elite competitive snowboarding. The series covers multiple disciplines across dozens of stops internationally:

  • Slopestyle: Riders navigate a course of rails, boxes, and kickers, performing tricks judged on execution, amplitude, and variety.
  • Big Air: One massive jump, two or three runs, and maximum amplitude. Big Air is one of the most crowd-friendly formats in the sport.
  • Halfpipe: The original contest discipline — riders hit the walls of a half-pipe and perform rotations, grabs, and amplitude-driven tricks.
  • Snowboard Cross (SBX): Head-to-head racing over a course with jumps, berms, and rollers. Arguably the most chaotic and exciting discipline to watch live.
  • Parallel Slalom / Giant Slalom: Two riders race side-by-side through a gate course. Rooted in the sport's alpine tradition.

X Games Aspen

X Games Aspen remains one of the most culturally significant snowboarding events of the season. Held each January at Buttermilk Mountain in Colorado, X Games blends elite competition with music, streetwear, and the raw energy of action sports culture. Events include slopestyle, superpipe, big air, and knuckle huck — a fan-favorite format where riders perform creative tricks off the knuckle of a jump rather than its full peak.

X Games is also where breakthrough performances tend to happen. The free-form atmosphere and global media spotlight make it a stage where riders take bigger risks and push their creativity further.

Burton US Open

One of the oldest and most storied events in snowboarding, the Burton US Open has been running for decades. Held at Stratton Mountain in Vermont, it features both halfpipe and slopestyle competition. The event carries significant cultural weight — it was instrumental in professionalizing the sport — and consistently draws top riders from around the world.

FIS World Championships & Olympic Cycle Events

Every two years, the FIS Snowboard World Championships take center stage as the pinnacle of non-Olympic competition. Hosting nations rotate, and the event covers all major disciplines. In Olympic years, the Winter Olympics naturally becomes the defining moment of the season, with snowboarding events among the most-watched competitions of the entire games.

Grassroots & Regional Events

Beyond the big names, don't overlook regional and grassroots events. Local rail jams, mountain slopestyle comps, and independent big air contests are where future professionals develop their skills and get their first competition experience. Many mountain resorts host their own signature events throughout the season — these are often great opportunities to watch talented up-and-comers in an intimate setting.

How to Follow the Action

  • The FIS website publishes full World Cup schedules and live results.
  • X Games streams on ESPN and its own digital platforms.
  • Many events offer free livestreams on YouTube or the organizing body's website.
  • Follow riders directly on social media — many post raw run footage and behind-the-scenes content throughout the contest season.

Snowboarding's contest season is short but packed with incredible riding. Mark your calendar, set your notifications, and enjoy the show.